Shelter

"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." (Isaiah 25:4)

Good morning, dear friends,

One of the blessings of summer camp for us is going back to a region that is becoming very familiar to us: the Lot, the area around the ancient city of Cahors, is a wealth of castles, old churches, aqueducts, and many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.  Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know how much I love history, so it's always exciting for me to discover new places and learn about the past.

Even though we have been going to this region for 15+ years, usually we are so busy (and tired) from camp that we don't have much time for sightseeing.  This year that changed as the camp transitioned from teen camp to family camp.  The change of pace was a welcome one, and we were able to relax and visit more the area around the camp.

A familiar sight to us at camp are rocks....everywhere.  The area around the camp is surrounded by rock walls to divide the properties, fields and vineyards, using the rocks that have been taken out from the fields themselves.  Many structures are built out of these rocks, including one unique structure that we were able to visit while we were there.

No, this is not some strange tribal hut or "caveman" dwelling.  This is a shepherd's shelter called a casselle.  This was not a house, but rather a shelter in the fields where the shepherd could temporarily fit up to 30 animals (and himself) in case of storms or wounded animals.  The entire structure (this one dates from 1860) is made from rocks, from the bottom all the way up to its cone-shaped roof, fixed with no mortar added.

We were able to go inside, and it was really unusual to be able to stand inside the building.  I imagine that it must have been very cramped indeed with that many animals inside.  I am also slightly claustrophobic, so I can't imagine what it would have been like to stay inside for very long, but it would have been a very strong, very safe haven for a shepherd and his flock.

Inside, looking up to the roof

This shelter must have been such a blessing to the shepherds who worked these fields.  It gets hot in the south of France, but inside this shelter (at least temporarily) it was cool.  A sudden storm, a wild animal, or an animal in distress could be accounted for without having to abandon the fields in search of safety.  The shepherd could tend to his flocks' needs here, and after the need had passed, the sheep could return grazing in the fields.

This shelter was a welcome respite, indeed.

As I was enjoying the visit to this casselle, I was reminded of the shelter that God promises to His flock.  While this stone structure was a temporary shelter from the elements and predators, God's shelter is an eternal one, a welcome safe haven from the cares of this world, and a comfort for the life to come:

"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." (Isaiah 25:4)

Though my life may have its dangers, my God is bigger and stronger than those who would oppose me.

May I allow this thought to comfort me today, as I take shelter in my God...